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South Africa Family Discovery

Inspire the Travelers of Tomorrow

South Africa is the ultimate family safari destination. From the malaria-free game reserve of Madikwe to the rich array of family-friendly activities in Cape Town and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve, South Africa has it all for families! On this adventure, Mountain Travel Sobek takes the most exciting touring and experiences available in each destination and puts an MTS family twist on them that are fun for all ages. From sailing aboard the only pirate ship in South Africa to enjoying a soccer outing with local children and going on a classic wildlife safari, South Africa is pure fun for the whole family!

best times to go: Year round

departures:
No group departures scheduled. Private departures are available on the dates of your choice, pending availablity. Call us for details.

Inspire the Travelers of Tomorrow

On this adventure, we take the most exciting touring and safari experiences and put our special MTS family twist on them, making this trip fun for all ages. In Cape Town, you will enjoy a four-night stay at the historic Mount Nelson Hotel, where you can kick back and relax while the children explore the property’s enormous tree-lined gardens in a kid-friendly environment. While in Cape Town you'll also enjoy touring the city by vintage World War II sidecar, a cable car ride up Table Mountain, setting sail aboard the only authentic pirate ship in South Africa, viewing the penguin colony at Boulders Beach, and much more. In Grootbos Private Nature Reserve you'll go on a treasure hunt through the reserve, take a boat trip to view dolphins, penguins, seals, and sharks (seasonal), and enjoy an exciting soccer outing with children of the local community. From there you'll move on to the Madikwe Game Reserve, one of the largest game reserves in all of Africa and home to the “Big Five”—lion, leopard, elephant, rhino, and Cape buffalo (it's also completely malaria-free!). Here you will stay for three nights at Jaci’s Tree Lodge, which pioneered specialized children’s safaris with fantastic activities like kids-only jungle drives and guided walking in the reserve with a dedicated ranger. And for those moments when the parents crave a little "us" time, there are optional adult activities. Plus, the children enjoy their dinners before the adults, so when the parents arrive the kids are already dressed and fed. It all adds up to a unique Africa adventure with no worries for Mom and Dad—just pure fun for the whole family!

Activities

6 days of touring and activities in Cape Town and Grootbos Private Nature Reserve with a special focus on unique experiences for families, 4 days on safari in Madikwe Game Reserve featuring a children's safari program and game drives and activities for adults

Itinerary

Day 1
: Arrive Cape Town

Welcome to Cape Town! You will be met at the door of your aircraft with your name on a paging board, and your documents will be handed over to you. You will be assisted through immigration, baggage collection and customs. You will then be shown to your onward flight, or to your awaiting transfer vehicle. Should you be collecting a rental car, you will be shown to the vehicle rental collection office.

Please note: Should your arrival aircraft be directed to the apron and not the terminal, you will be transported to the terminal by bus. Your Meet and Greet will then be waiting for you as you step off the bus with the paging board.

The Mount Nelson Hotel is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Cape Town, located in the leafy suburb of Gardens, at the foot of Table Mountain, just a short stroll via the squirrel-filled Government Lane to the heart of the city. This elegant hotel offers pure sophistication in an unmatched garden setting, known for its decadent high teas. Cocktails are enjoyed at the Planet Champagne and Cocktail Bar, while the Cape Colony Restaurant offers a mix of contemporary Southern European and Western Cape trends and the Oasis Restaurant is the perfect venue for relaxed alfresco dining.

The Hotel boasts six individual accommodation wings, each with its own unique character.

The 201 spacious rooms & suites are individually decorated in a classic old world charm and have spectacular views of Table Mountain or the verdant hotel gardens.

Stroll through the 9 acres of landscaped gardens or simply relax at one of the 2 heated swimming pools. There are also floodlit tennis courts, a golf practice net, a body care centre, hairdresser and gymnasium.

The Mount Nelson Hotel offersan unforgettable Cape Town family holiday. Not only because of the hotel’s wonderful tree-lined gardens, inviting children to run around and play as you kick back and relax, but also because of its perfect position in the heart of Cape Town’s entertainment, lifestyle and cultural center.Children won’t want to climb out of the super-sized (and supervised) swimming pool on hot Cape summery days, but when you do manage to entice them out of the water,there are a range of activities on offer at the hotel.Families can enjoy a great variety of leisure activities at Mount Nelson Hotel and in and around Cape Town. The kids can have waffles for breakfast or share a pizza at the poolside family restaurant. Treat thelittle ones to a sparkly treatment at the Librisa Spa and Afternoon Tea is also a “must do” for the entire family.

Our Nellie and Nelson children activity center will keep children of all ages entertained while Mom and Dad enjoy a little rest and relaxation, or let our Concierge recommend a family day out in Cape Town.

Children’s facilities include:

· Children’s welcome letters full of fun things to do in Cape Town

· Child-size bathrobes and slippers

· Complimentary hot milk for babies

· Children’s menu

· Complimentary milk and cookies at bedtime

· 9 acres of secure gardens with lawn to play on

· A program of activities such as story-telling, face painting, arts & crafts, cookie making, swimming, tennis, games and treasure hunt

The old and established suburbs of Gardens, Oranjezicht and Tamboerskloof merge into each other as they line the foothills of Table Mountain and Signal Hill. The area enjoys convenient proximity to the city, the Table Mountain Cableway, as well as the beaches. The narrow little streets are lined by original Cape buildings, many of which have been beautifully restored, some now housing museums and art galleries, as well as lively sidewalk cafés and highly acclaimed restaurants.

LODGING: Mount Nelson - Cape Town

Day 2
: Sidecar Motorbike Tour, Table Mountain & Pirate Ship Cruise

Enjoy the most unique transfer method in Cape Town, by boarding a vintage World War II sidecar and transferred to the foot of Table Mountain. Make your way up to Table Mountain via the Cable way, which will give you spectacular views over the city and the Peninsula (the cable car fee is included and is weather dependent and is usually closed for annual maintenance from the last week of July to Mid August). As you come back down from the mountain, head to the V&A Waterfront to board the only authentic Pirate ship in South Africa for your afternoon cruise. This cruise will be like no other experienced before and will give you the opportunity to capture this unique family excursion on camera as you and your family sails the waters!

INCLUDED MEALS: BreakfastLODGING: Mount Nelson - Cape Town

Day 3
: Cape Peninsula Tour with Seal Island

Today you embark on a full day tour of the Cape Peninsula. Take in the beaches of Clifton and Camps Bay, before crossing over to Hout Bay, to join a boat cruise to Seal Island. From here you drive to the Cape of Good Hope Nature Reserve via Chapman’s Peak, one of the world’s most breathtaking coastal drives, where you will board a funicular to get to the top of the Peninsula to witness the symbolic meeting of the Indian and Atlantic Oceans and enjoy spectacular views over False Bay.

Enjoy lunch at Imhoff Restaurant (for your own account). Continue to Simonstown, the naval base, and visit the African Penguin breeding colony at Boulders Beach. Then stop at the world-renowned Kirstenbosch Gardens before arriving at your hotel for overnight

INCLUDED MEALS: BreakfastLODGING: Mount Nelson - Cape Town

Day 4
: Xhosa Family Visit & Wine Tram

Discover day-to-day life in Kayamandi “sweet home” township on the outskirts of Stellenbosch. After an insightful walking tour with your local guide, a Xhosa Mama will welcome you in her home and share some of the delicious dishes that Nelson Mandela grew up on. The tour will give an insider’s perspective from your resident guide who was born and bred in Kayamandi township. You will meet local entrepreneurs and artists as well as see exciting community development projects. A township tour will not be complete without a visit to the local Spaza shop. Enjoy an authentic Xhosa lunch in a family home where you will enjoy various fragrant vegetables and meat dishes. Try home-made ginger beer (non-alcoholic) and taste legendary mieliepap – a staple food while listening to your host’s delightful stories. You will be given the recipes on departure which you can try back at home.

Next you will explore the vineyards of Franschhoek on the Wine Tram hop-on hop-off tour, which is one of the best ways to discover the true essence of the Franschhoek Valley with the picturesque vineyards, breath-taking scenery, warm hospitality, world-class cuisine, fine wines and a 300 year history. The Tram will journey through rolling vineyards in an open-side tram and open-air tram-bus stopping in at some of South Africa’s oldest and most distinguished wine estates.

A combination of tram and tram-bus transports you around a loop of stops allowing you to hop-off at each stop and experience the activities on offer, be it wine tasting, a cellar tour, or simply a stroll through the vineyards and when they are ready, hop-on to continue the tour. The tour takes passengers right into the heart of the Franschhoek Valley, with a narration focusing on the history of Franschhoek and wine cultivation in the valley. Enjoy wine tastings at Rickety Bridge, Dieu Donne and a welcome drink at Grande Provence and not to mention the unparalleled views of the valley and vineyards.

INCLUDED MEALS: Breakfast/LunchLODGING: Mount Nelson - Cape Town

Day 5
: Drive to Grootbos

This morning you will depart Cape Town and drive to the nearby Grootbos Private Nature Reserve. On arrival at Grootbos, enjoy a refreshing glass of sparkling wine while marvelling at the unbeatable views over Walker Bay (special kiddie welcome drinks will be served for the children). Enjoy a decadent lunch on the outside deck, whilst the children run around in the garden.

Your guide will sit down and take you through the list of activities available at Grootbos, before settling you into your suite. Your suite will be equipped with all the necessary amenities for your child depending on age, i.e. a box of toys, coloring books, crayons, etc. Spend some time at leisure on your private balcony or at the swimming pool. Later this afternoon, explore the environment with a Treasure Hunt through the wild fynbos and ancient Milkwood forest. The children eagerly search for their hidden treats whilst learning about the significant ecosystem thriving on Grootbos, with a dedicated guide.

Enjoy a sensational gourmet dinner this evening – adults can relish a 6-course dinner whilst the children choose from the yummy kiddie menu (families can dine together in the restaurants, or the children can eat earlier and then play in the activities room with a child-minder for the rest of the evening). For something a little different, the children’s dinner can be hosted at the playground followed by a fun night walk around the lodge led by a guide!

Grootbos Garden Lodge is situated on the 1750 hectare Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Gansbaai area, just 160km from Cape Town. This multi-award winning reserve is home to protected Fynbos as well as the largest Milkwood Forests in the world and has won world wide acclaim for its conservation and social responsibility programs. The lodge is set within the fynbos and forest clad hills which overlook the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay.

Day 6
: Grootbos

Begin the day with a cup of coffee or tea and muffins before you transfer to Kleinbaai Harbor for an exhilarating trip to sea. Participate in a boat trip to view dolphins, penguins, seals, sharks and whales (seasonal). Return to the lodge for a delicious brunch. For anyone with a sweet tooth, there will be Pancake & Waffle-making in the playroom – parents can join in the culinary fun or choose to relax.

After a scrumptious lunch in the restaurant or on the outside deck, the children can enjoy a fun pony ride in the paddock with one of the specialist guides. If they are older and able riders, the whole family can take a relaxed horse ride through the lush reserve. Later this afternoon, join the children from the local community for an exciting soccer match – the parents are, of course, welcome to join. The Communal Sports Project/Youth Development Program trains about 300 children from the local community in soccer, hockey as well as athletics.

Sit down to a fusion of culinary delights during a 6-course dinner. The family can dine together at the cosy fireplace in the restaurant or the kids can watch movies and eat popcorn in the playroom after an early dinner, leaving the fine dining to the parents.

Day 7
: Fly to Madikwe

If your children fancy the idea of collecting their own eggs for breakfast then one of the guides can meet you at reception to take the kids to the chicken coup. After breakfast, get your hands dirty and plant your own Family tree on Grootbos. Families can name the tree and will receive the GPS co-ordinates of the Milkwood tree that will be there for centuries to come.

You will then say goodbye to your hosts at Grootbos and transfer to the airport in Cape Town where you will board your flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival in Johannesburg you will connect with your Federal Air shuttle flight to the Madikwe Game Reserve. Please note: Passenger baggage allowance 20kg (44 lbs) per person, hand baggage included to be carried in soft bags only. Please note that excess baggage will be charged for and will only be carried if weight and space permits. NB** Should a lodge hop be cancelled due to bad weather, Federal Air will provide a road transfer where possible and there will be no refund on the flight. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your safari lodge where you will enjoy a three-night stay.

Set in the south eastern region of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province is an authentic safari experience, Jaci’s Safari Lodge. Built on the edge of the Marico River, Jaci’s is owner run and managed, adding warmth and genuine hospitality to this peaceful bushveld setting.

With thatch roofs, low stone walls and canvas panels that roll up, the eight luxury spacious rooms really let the outside in. With earthy African tones and designed with comfort in mind the rooms have a large mosaic bath (big enough for two to share!), outdoor "bush" shower and private deck, under-floor heating, air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Jaci's has two exclusive family suites: the Nare Suite, accommodating six guests, and the Safari Suite, accommodating eight guests. Both exclusive suites feature a plunge pool and come with a private guide and game drive vehicle. The main lodge has been decorated with vibrant colours and African textures, featuring a central lounge with comfortable couches and serving brunch and high tea with views across a stream; the bar, a circular fire pit for social gatherings, two swimming pools, a gym, games room and Masala Spa.

After settling in this afternoon you will enjoy your first afternoon game drive in the reserve! Parents, feel free to relax on your game drive as your children will be enjoying kids’ safari activities with one of Jaci’s top rangers from their renowned children’s program.

Activities offered at Jaci’s include morning and afternoon game drives, walking safaris, river walks, a comprehensive children’s program and the exhilarating Starbeds (additional charge).

Days 8 - 9
: Safari in Madikwe Game Reserve

These days you will enjoy scheduled game drives and activities for both the children and adults in Madikwe Game Reserve.

One of South Africa’s newer and prime safari destinations, the Madikwe Game Reserve is situated in the malaria free North West Province, bordering Botswana. This “Big Five” Reserve spans 75,000 hectares, making it one of the largest game reserves in South Africa. It is particularly renowned for its wild dog reintroduction in the east, as well as the unusual gemsbok, tsessebe and springbok. The lions in Madikwe originate from Etosha in Namibia, and are known to hunt very large prey such as giraffe and eland which requires immense strength and makes for impressive sightings.

Day 10
: Depart Johannesburg

After a final morning game drive you will transfer to the airstrip for your departing shuttle flight to Johannesburg. Upon arrival you will be transferred from the Federal Air terminal to Johannesburg’s OR Tambo International Airport where you will connect with your international departing flight home. Please note: Passenger baggage allowance 20kg (44 lbs) per person, hand baggage included to be carried in soft bags only. Please note that excess baggage will be charged for and will only be carried if weight and space permits. NB** Should a lodge hop be cancelled due to bad weather, Federal Air will provide a road transfer where possible and there will be no refund on the flight.

DATES:Best time to go: Year roundDepartures:
No group departures scheduled. Private departures are available on the dates of your choice, pending availablity. Call us for details.

PRICING:

Based on 2 adults sharing with 1 child – per person price

June 11-20, 2014 Departure

Adult Child (Under 12)

6 guests $5,575 $3,345

8 guests $5,275 $3,040

10 guests $5,050 $2,820

12 guests $4,920 $2,685

Single supplement: $2,000

July 9-18, 2014 Departure

Adult Child (Under 12)

6 guests $6,050 $3,475

8 guests $5,750 $3,170

10 guests $5,530 $2,950

12 guests $5,390 $2,810

Single supplement: $2,200

Based on 2 adults sharing with 2 children – per person price

June 11-20, 2014 Departure

Adult Child (Under 12)

6 guests $5,880 $3,350

8 guests $5,580 $3,050

10 guests $5,360 $2,830

12 guests $5,220 $2,695

Single supplement: $2,300

July 9-18, 2014 Departure

Adult Child (Under 12)

6 guests $6,440 $3,435

8 guests $6,135 $3,130

10 guests $5,910 $2,910

12 guests $5,780 $2,775

Single supplement: $2,630

Internal airfare, per person: $190 (subject to change until ticketed)

Mount Nelson

Cape Town

The Mount Nelson Hotel is one of the most iconic luxury hotels in Cape Town, located in the leafy suburb of Gardens, at the foot of Table Mountain, just a short stroll via the squirrel-filled Government Lane to the heart of the city. This elegant hotel offers pure sophistication in an unmatched garden setting, known for its decadent high teas. Cocktails are enjoyed at the Planet Champagne and Cocktail Bar, while the Cape Colony Restaurant offers a mix of contemporary Southern European and Western Cape trends and the Oasis Restaurant is the perfect venue for relaxed alfresco dining.

The Hotel boasts six individual accommodation wings, each with its own unique character. The 201 spacious rooms & suites are individually decorated in a classic old world charm and have spectacular views of Table Mountain or the verdant hotel gardens. Stroll through the 9 acres of landscaped gardens or simply relax at one of the 2 heated swimming pools. There are also floodlit tennis courts, a golf practice net, a body care centre, hairdresser and gymnasium.

Grootbos Garden Lodge

Grootbos Private Nature Reserve

Grootbos Garden Lodge is situated on the 1750 hectare Grootbos Private Nature Reserve in the Gansbaai area, just 160km from Cape Town. This multi-award winning reserve is home to protected Fynbos as well as the largest Milkwood Forests in the world and has won world wide acclaim for its conservation and social responsibility programs. The lodge is set within the fynbos and forest clad hills which overlook the whale-watching haven of Walker Bay.

Jaci's Tree Lodge

Madikwe Game Reserve

Set in the south eastern region of the 75,000 hectare Madikwe Private Game Reserve in South Africa’s North West Province is an authentic safari experience, Jaci’s Safari Lodge. Built on the edge of the Marico River, Jaci’s is owner run and managed, adding warmth and genuine hospitality to this peaceful bushveld setting.

With thatch roofs, low stone walls and canvas panels that roll up, the eight luxury spacious rooms really let the outside in. With earthy African tones and designed with comfort in mind the rooms have a large mosaic bath (big enough for two to share!), outdoor "bush" shower and private deck, under-floor heating, air-conditioning and ceiling fans. Jaci's has two exclusive family suites: the Nare Suite, accommodating six guests, and the Safari Suite, accommodating eight guests. Both exclusive suites feature a plunge pool and come with a private guide and game drive vehicle. The main lodge has been decorated with vibrant colours and African textures, featuring a central lounge with comfortable couches and serving brunch and high tea with views across a stream; the bar, a circular fire pit for social gatherings, two swimming pools, a gym, games room and Masala Spa.

Properties shown are representative of the accommodations we use on this trip, may not be inclusive of all accommodations we use, and are subject to change.

Trevor Boulle

Trevor has traveled quite extensively throughout South and southern Africa, including a year in Namibia and gaining invaluable first- hand knowledge of the African people and their cultures. Further afield, he has spent time in Australasia, Europe and the United States. Trevor worked as a tennis teaching professional in the United States for a number of years and was fortunate to use this time to travel and explore this vast country.
In the last five years Trevor’s forte has been hiking / walking holidays. Programs are designed to highlight the most scenic parts of South Africa and to allow the guest to explore on foot. How best to satisfy Trevor’s personal passion for hiking and exploring than to lead groups on foot through game reserves, into the Drakensberg mountains, along the paths that British and Zulu soldiers walked so long ago, meandering through the streets of Cape Town {surely one of the world’s great cities}, boulder-hopping along Indian Ocean beaches, scrambling up Table Mountain and strolling through beautiful wine farming country.
Trevor has found his niche in life then. From a young boy obsessed with history, exploration and the outdoors to a professional who has made a career from that which he loves. There is a clear yearning to learn more, not only about his continent, its history and its people but also to facilitate visitors hungry to share in the same experience. Aided by an ability to strike up a solid rapport with his guests and abetted by a wicked and slightly dry sense of humour, the professionalism and success of his programs is evident in the repeat visitors and long-lasting friendships struck up over the years.

Ananda van der Merwe

Ananda obtained a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Psychology and English; Post-Graduate Degree in Translation and completed courses in French and Dutch when she lived in Europe. Also while living in Europe, Ananda spent time backpacking and considers Prague the most beautiful and culturally rich destination which she has visited outside of South Africa. Whilemost of us would get frustrated and flustered at the thought of being lost in a foreign city, Ananda savoured the prospect as it provided great opportunities for meeting the locals and experience the various European cultures in authentic settings.
During her four years in Europe, Ananda au-paired in Brussels and taught English to French speaking children. Upon return to South Africa, she moved to the Little Karoo where she secured a job conducting tours at a working ostrich show farm and then went on to manage a guest house in the same area. When she moved to Cape Town, she spent three years as an inbound tours consultant which she combined with guiding once she received her THETA accreditation and qualification. Ananda has been guiding for a total of 9 years now and has very little intention of retiring from this particular career in the very near future; however, she does dream of becoming an editor one day and harnesses her skills with a critical eye when reading the local newspapers.
It is difficult for her to state any particular destination in South Africa as her favourite. Her patriotism is not nominal, but is borne out of her first-hand experiences in this beautiful country. There is not a corner of this country which she has not explored. Hard-pressed for an answer though, she lists the Elephant Coast of KwaZulu Natal as one of her favourite spots for its birding opportunities and its beautiful coastline. She then also quickly mentions the Kruger National Park, the Drakensberg Mountains and the Kalahari.
Ananda’s thirst for knowledge was not quenched through her formal training and studies. She professes to be an information junky and often finds herself in a catatonic trance before her television set, absorbing facts, figures, dates, names and places thrown at her on the History, Discovery or National Geographic channels. This diet on electronic education is supplemented by research on history, culture, nature and anthropology.
Currently, she is also broadening her skills in photography and would like to complete a field guiding and/or botany course.
Though an avid learner, Ananda is not pretentious in her approach to working or dealing with people. Her sense of humour and gift for telling quirky, if not true, stories to visitors makes her popular with those she meets along the way, often forging friendships with guests which last long after they have returned home.
She relies on her female intuition which has been fine-tuned over the years with her experience as a guide. She therefore has a good sense for people and can easily gauge what clients want or expect from their experience in South Africa. When asked how she would approach dealing with various personalities on tour, she flatly replies, “One has to go to their planet… find the constellation they are from.”

My Message:

Thank you.

Activity Ratings

Easy

Many activities are optional and involve fairly easy travel. Trips may include short hikes of two to three hours or optional walks at low elevations. Includes less demanding sea kayaking and river rafting trips with Class I-II rapids.

Moderate

More active trips involving hiking over moderate terrain, usually - but not always - with vehicle support and at elevations less than 10,000 feet, or trips with long hiking days, multiple sea kayaking days, wilderness camping, or other invigorating activity. On many trips, you can elect to skip a day's activity, depending on logistics. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips and river rafting trips with Class III rapids.

Strenuous

Hiking and trekking over steeper or more rugged terrain or where elevations may exceed 10,000 feet - often several days in a row. Includes more demanding sea kayaking trips (4-5 hours paddling a day) and river rafting trips with Class IV-V rapids.

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